I would add the following:A real man wears his own sexuality comfortably and cherishes those that are near and dear to him.

A real man does not have to continually boast of nor demonstrate his manliness

I am not sure if playing sports defines a man but I will defer to others. It may be that he has a passion for healing or bringing joy to others because of a gift that he has. For example a composer, musician

this real man does laundry, dishes, windows, washes floors, (your basic maid, valet, pool boy, mechanic, handyman, parent, lover, and more)cleans the pool, changes oil, irons his own shirts and teaches his kids to iron theirs (even tho it's hopeless) rotates tires, mows lawn, paints house, fixes everything, has a career and likes it, does everything to please everyone else, says "how high" when others ask him to jump, does everything his wife asks for before she even thinks she needs it,

BUT

why does it all still feel like not enough, and when is it my turn to get something for a change?

It would be nice to have a Sunday afternoon nap,alone, in peace and quiet. Or to go to a bar, with some guy friends, (with whom we've lost touch with over the years cuz the wife thinks they are "inappropriate, bad role models for you and your kids")and maybe just get shitfaced, or watch TV, or anything, alone, away from it all. A real man would recognize when he needs some "me" time, and know how to get it and take it. So i think i got a long way to go...

_________________________
It is better to be Dragon Master than Dragon Slayer. Some Dragons are meant to be mastered, others meant to be slain. Odin, Great Spirit, God, grant me the wisdom to know the difference. "May the Valar guide and bless you on your path under the sky"

Some fair thoughts here I think. I gave a copy of this to the boys at my high school and the girls thru a fit at me saying it was sexist--maybe it should say People instead of Men....

Contributed by Lou Owen "I do not know the source. I came upon it years ago. I first saw it under the name "The good man project."

RelationshipMen teach and learn from others. Men coach and encourage. Men compliment. Men are peacemakers and negotiators. Men mediate, arbitrate and facilitate. Men comfort and nurture. Men enjoy solitude and companionship. Men are good friends. Men can keep a confidence. Men are faithful, sincere and decent. Men take pride in their achievements. Men try to make their community safe. Men are philanthropic and generous. Men are helpful, kind and thoughtful. Men are compassionate and sympathetic. Men cheer people up when they are down. Men are tender and gentle. Men are lovingMen debate and discuss. Men like fair play. Men like joking with others. Men entertain others. Men protect and rescue others from harm. Men sacrifice themselves for their family. Men sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Men co-operate. Men are good parents. Men lead others. Men are patient. Men are honorable. Men are honest. Men create laws to protect others. Men are tolerant and accepting of others. Men are good listeners. Men counsel. Men work together in a crisis. Men respect themselves and others. Men value all life and appreciate nature

ActionMen are decisive. Men get things done. Men are practical. Men are organizers. Men transform. Men like to fix things. Men motivate and inspire

ExpressionMen are exuberant. Men are free-spirited and playful. Men are charismatic. Men like to celebrate. Men are spiritual. Men have deep feelings. Men are open and expressive. Men communicate directly. Men are witty. Men move people with their words. Men are passionate. Men enjoy sex. Men are artistic. Men create and build

ThoughtMen question and seek knowledge. Men search for meaning in their lives. Men are resourceful, adaptable and flexible. Men try to create order in a chaotic world. Men are wise and understanding. Men like to know how things work. Men invent and innovate. Men like intellectual games and rules. Men hypothesize and solve problems. Men are analytical and strategic. Men are philosophical. Men are planners and forward thinkers. Men reason logically. Men are smart. Men keep things in perspective. Men hope for a better world

StrengthMen are responsible. Men provide security and stability. Men are self-reliant and independent. Men can endure great pain. Men can restrain themselves. Men are calm in a catastrophe. Men are resilient. Men are dependable and trustworthy. Men are courageous and heroic, Men stand up for what they believe. Men are solid, stoical and firm. Men fight for a good cause. Men are disciplined. Men admit to their mistakes. Men work with danger, dirt and discomfort. Men have stamina, drive and determination. Men focus and concentrate. Men are hard workers. Men use their power for the good of others

PhysicalityMen are physically co-ordinated and agile. Men explore and discover. Men enjoy physical activity and games. Men like clowning around and having fun. Men take risks. Men like to hone their skills in competition. Men are physically strong

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If we do not live what we believe, then we will begin to believe what we live.

At the bottom of this link is a link to download the song. It is a large file .... but it is worth it. I hope you are as moved as I was when I first heard it. Actually, every time I hear the song I am moved again.

_________________________
It is better to be Dragon Master than Dragon Slayer. Some Dragons are meant to be mastered, others meant to be slain. Odin, Great Spirit, God, grant me the wisdom to know the difference. "May the Valar guide and bless you on your path under the sky"

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